What paper types work best for letterpress?

Cotton paper is the gold standard for letterpress. Its soft, absorbent fibers compress under the press to create the deep, signature impression the process is known for.

• Cotton stock: the top choice, with fibers that compress cleanly for the deepest, most defined impression.
• Uncoated stock: also works well, though the impression is a little less dramatic than on cotton.
• Coated and glossy papers: not recommended, because a hard, slick surface does not compress and holds the impression poorly.

As a rule, the softer and more absorbent the sheet, the richer the letterpress result.